10.07.2016 - 08:14
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has claimed victory in the federal election, as the Coalition edges towards a slim majority in federal parliament.
“This is a great day today,” Mr Turnbull told a press conference in Sydney, after Labor leader Bill Shorten conceded defeat.
“We have resolved this election and have done so peacefully. It’s something we should celebrate and not take for granted.”
The Coalition is on track to win at least 74 seats, and is confident it can win two more, giving it enough seats to govern in its own right.
Earlier this afternoon Opposition Leader Bill Shorten offered to work with Mr Turnbull to find “common ground” and make the parliament work.
The Prime Minister said he welcomed that offer and would work with Labor to try and fund essential services while balancing the budget.
“These challenges are not easy there’s no simple solution but that’s why they need our best minds, our best brains, above all our best goodwill in our new parliament to deliver that,” he said.
“It’s vital that this parliament works — it is vital that we work together and as far as we can try to find ways upon which we can all agree.”
The Prime Minister also said he had had “very constructive” discussions with crossbenchers in both houses of Parliament.
Even if the Government wins a narrow majority in the Lower House, it will be anxious to give itself political cover by courting the five Green and independent MPs in the House of Representatives.
